Europe — Travelogue

An Afternoon in Menaggio on Lake Como, Italy

October 15, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

With a population of 3200, Menaggio is one of the larger but less touristy towns along the shores of Lake Como. Across the lake from Varenna and Bellagio, Menaggio offers views of both of these smaller towns from its shores. I decided to check it out on my recent stay in Lake Como.

Menaggio is not that big so a walking tour is perfect to enjoy the architecture and scenery and browse the shops. Piazza Garibaldi is the main area around the ferry harbor, and from this area buses can take you to other locations on the mainland. The "old town" of Menaggio is located near here and the cobblestoned streets, ancient doors and the Baroque church of Santo Stefano all were reason enough for me to enjoy an afternoon here. Following signs to il Castello, you can walk uphill to the remnants of an ancient castle which was demolished in the 16th century. Pieces of the medieval wall still exist today near there.

Menaggio is less known for its shopping and better known for its sporting activities such as hiking. For serious hikers Menaggio is a good location to use as a base, especially since there are 12 separate trails leading into the hills above, and the lodging is much cheaper here than in Varenna or Bellagio. Hiking seems to be a major pastime here; in fact I met some Australians who were here specifically for that reason.

Other sports activities here include kayaking, cycling, and water skiing. Menaggio is one of the few towns on Lake Como with a public swimming pool. The 25 meter pool is called "Lido" and is open from Late June to mid September.

Menaggio is also famous for its annual Guitar Festival held every August since its beginning in 2005. The festival attracts famous guitarists both from Italy and across the world.

Every 2nd and 4th Friday here the markets are open in the center of town, and these are always fun events, where you can buy almost anything for a fraction of the cost that retail shops charge. Some handmade items and fresh produce and flowers are also readily available at these markets.

I stopped in at Pasticceria Manzoni for a cappuccino and to sample some of the local dolci. I tasted some type of apple and raisin cake that was delicious, and the shopkeeper informed that this was a type of sweet cake specific to this region.

For those avid golfers Menaggio is home to one of the oldest golf courses in Italy, The Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club. Established by the English in 1907this 18 hole golf club is very popular especially with the tourists from the United Kingdom and Australia.

Before I got on the ferry, I had to try some gelato from what looked like the best gelato place since there was a line. Gelateria Edo in Piazza Garibaldi certainly did not disappoint and was the perfect end to my afternoon in Menaggio.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Lake Como, Margie Miklas, Menaggio

Caffè Greco – Rome’s Oldest Coffee Bar

October 11, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

When you are in Rome you can't leave without stopping in at Caffè Greco, the oldest coffee bar in Rome. A fixture for over 250 years, Caffè Greco is second only to Caffè Florian in Venice as the oldest coffee bar in Italy. Always crowded, very expensive, and very classy with waiters dressed in tails, Caffè Greco is one of a kind.

It is not only a place to get a cup of cappuccino or a cannoli but a gathering place where you can actually sit and talk about current issues or your family. Italians stand and sip their espressos in the large front lobby where the table tops are made of marble and the huge wooden bar is beautiful. Tourists as well as those who wish to stay awhile head towards the back where there are several rooms, called interna sala, adorned with red velvet and rich décor. You will pay an extra ten euros for the privilege but the atmosphere alone is worth it.

Quite an impressive list of writers artists, and composers have spent time here, and there is fact an old guestbook with yellowing pages where you can check out some of their signatures. Writers Goethe, Keats, Stendhal and D'Annunzio made this a regular hangout and Hans Christian Anderson used to live upstairs in a rented room. Casanova was known to frequent this bar during lunchtime while he worked as secretary to the Spanish Ambassador.

Classical composers Richard Wagner, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and opera conductor Toscanini all spent hours at Caffè Greco drinking and discussing the issues of the day. Rossini was known to have composed in these rooms and even the American writer Mark Twain spent time here when he was in Rome. Today Caffè Greco is still a place where intellectuals like to come to have a sophisticated conversation.

Besides all the variations of coffee here there are rows of delicious sweets or dolci. When I was there recently I had a cannoli and even though it was six euros it was so worth it. It was one of the best I had tasted north of Sicily. I wish I had known at the time that I could have hung out in the front and eaten it at my leisure while people watching. I thought you had to pay the ten euro fee to sit down or else leave once I bought something. Next time I will spend more time and maybe even pay the ten euros to sit in one of the rooms in the back.

Caffè Greco is almost like an art gallery since there are so many collections of old paintings and 19th century frescoes on the walls. On the walls are also some portraits of some of the more famous patrons. There are over 300 works of art here which makes this the largest private art gallery that is open to the public.

Centrally located in the heart of the historic area of Rome, Caffè Greco is located on via Condotti not far from the Spanish Steps. Open daily from 9-7 Caffè Greco is always an interesting place full of life. The house specialty features coffee made with lemon and orange and is called "Paradiso." Don't miss a visit here on your next trip to Rome. You will not regret it.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Rome, Venice

Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

October 9, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Barcelona, Spain is a huge city, with a population of around 1.6 million and five million people live in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. The city is definitely worthy of three days or more to visit the main sights. I only had part of a day here in a recent cruise port stop, so I opted to take the Barcelona City Tour by way of a hop-on hop-off bus.

This turned out to be a very effective and economical way for me to get a glimpse of the city's highlights and learn a little about it at the same time. I definitely plan to return one day when I can spend at least several days here.

Prices

The Barcelona City Tour is one of the most practical things to do in Barcelona. You can pre-book online and the price listed is 21.60 euros, but I bought the ticket on the bus and it was 19 euros. Actually I got a discount on top of that since i had saved my ticket from a bus tour in another city. The company gives you a 10 percent discount up to a year if you keep the ticket so it is a good deal.

At any rate I rode the bus for the entire route, then got home and back on another bus for the other route. The whole tour lasted over four hours, which is not a bad deal at all.

The routes have a few overlapping stops, where you are able to switch to the other route if you like. Since Barcelona is so big there are quite a few buses which stop every ten to twenty minutes, making it easy to travel to different locations in the city. You can get off at one stop and get back on at any stop as often as you like within a 24 hour period.

Stops

On the west route stops include all the famous landmarks in Barcelona beginning with Placa Catalunya, the hub of the city and the beginning of the pedestrian walkway, La Rambla. The next stop is in the Gothic district, followed by Paseo Colon, the large avenue connecting the city to the sea. The bus heads toward the World Trade Center at the port and then to beautiful Miramar Gardens with a panorama view of the coastline.

There are 18 stops on this route including the Olympic Stadium, the MNAC, former World's Fair Pavilion, Plaza Espana, the Barcelona train station, the soccer stadium, shopping areas, and the famous Gaudi buildings, Casa Mila, and Casa Battlo.

On the eastern route the 16 stops include Placa Cataluña, the Gothic Cathedral, Port Vell and the Sea Palace, the maritime district and the beaches, the Olympic Village, Ciutadella Park, the modern glass building of the National Theatre, some of the more modern architectural sights and the technological district, the hospital, Garden City, Tibidabo, and of course the very famous unfinished work of Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia.

I would recommend the sightseeing bus as an overview for a first-time visitor to Barcelona and then you have an idea of what you would like to see in more detail. Have fun.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Guest Post, Margie Miklas, Spain

How to Enjoy the Italian City of Bologna

October 6, 2012 By Guest Post 1 Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Not exactly on the top ten list of places to go in Italy, Bologna is a great city to visit if you like architecture, young people and food. I spent a few days there last spring and totally enjoyed the vibe. A cosmopolitan city, Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world and the portico-covered sidewalks and streets are filled with young people. With a population of around 375,000, and an additional 90,000 university students, Bologna isn't really overrun with tourists.

One of the things I found most interesting in Bologna is the number of porticoes or coverings over the sidewalks. Some of these are works of art in themselves with frescoes painted on the inside of these elaborate coverings. Found over almost every sidewalk, these porticoes make it unnecessary to worry about the need for an umbrella. They are beautiful and make for great photo ops.

One of the most photographed monuments in Bologna is the Due Torri or "Two Towers." One was under construction while I was there so my photos are not as great as I would have liked but the height of these landmarks is awesome. Both are leaning due to unstable foundations and the smaller one leans much more than the taller tower. Torres degli Asinelli is the taller tower and measures 318 feet high. You can climb the 500 steps if you like to have a great view of the city at no charge except your own risk.
The shorter tower, Torres degli Garisenda is half the height of the taller tower and is 157 feet tall, and there is no option to climb this one.

The University of Bologna is home to 5000 foreign students, and the streets of Bologna can frequently be the venue for demonstrations or manifestazione. I enjoy the energy of the college students and found them to be very friendly and engaging. I actually stayed at a dorm of another university while visiting there and the accommodation was simple but adequate and very economical.

No one can go to Bologna without enjoying some of the regional specialties, since this is the gastronomic capital of the world. I am not a foodie so I was happy to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine and some pizza during the aperitivo hour. Of course the ambience at an outside restaurant on a side street made it taste even better. You cannot go home without a stop at La Sorbetteria Castiglione, known for the best gelato anywhere. Naturally I had to check it out and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend a stay in this historic Italian city.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas

Insider Tips for Visiting the Vatican

September 12, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Visiting the Vatican while in Rome is one of the main agendas for most travelers to Italy. Vatican City is its own independent city-state and the smallest in the world, both by population and area. Established in 1929 as part of the Lateran Treaty, this walled UNESCO World Heritage site is actually within the city limits of Rome, on the left bank of the Tiber River.

Always crowded with tourists, the Vatican takes up the better part of a day for a visit. Having visited the Vatican on five separate occasions, I have learned a few things. These insider tips can make the most of your time at the Vatican, and hopefully will make your day more enjoyable.

Know the best times to go

When planning your time in Rome, try to plan to visit the Vatican when it is less crowded. The fall and spring are the best seasons as far as crowds are concerned. Stay away on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, and also Wednesdays if the Pope is in town. The weekends are always very crowded and especially the last Sunday of the month because the entrance is free. You still will likely pay a price, however, in the 2 or 3 hour wait you will have on those Sundays.

It is a good idea to arrive either first thing in the morning, or between 11 and mid-day. It seems that by then the crowds have dissipated, but then soon afterwards they start lining up again.

Buy advance purchase tickets and skip the line

The Vatican has been selling tickets on their website so that you can purchase these in advance and skip the long lines for the museums. The entrance fee is 15 euros and there is an additional fee of 4 euros to purchase tickets online. Students with ID get a reduced rate. You may find however, that despite having advance tickets, many other travelers have done the same thing, so there are two lines, one for those with tickets and one for those who still need to buy tickets. Remember nothing happens fast in Italy.

Adhere to the dress code

The one place in Italy where the dress code is strictly enforced is the Vatican. Security personnel keep a close watch on the crowd, and there are big signs informing everyone of the rules. On more than one occasion I have seen them turn away women with tank tops until they can find a way to cover their shoulders. (A scarf will do).

Even in the heat of the summer, shorts are not allowed. Miniskirts or bare shoulders for either men or women are definitely not acceptable. This is particularly enforced in St Peter's Basilica, although the Vatican website indicates the dress code also is meant for the Vatican museums.

No photography in the Sistine Chapel

The Vatican museums encompass many different museums and it actually can be overwhelming. The final room is the one everyone wants to see, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling. Security is tight in this room and absolutely no photography or video is allowed. The authorities are continually announcing "silenzio, no foto, no video," and they are serious. They will confiscate any cameras they see being used here.

Bring a snack and some water

A day at the Vatican can be a long day and there are no places to buy food or beverages inside. It is wise to bring a few snacks or protein bars and some water as well to get you through the day. There are places outside of St Peter's Square but once you are in line, you'll be glad you brought something of your own.

Enjoy this day at one of the most visited places in the entire world. I can almost guarantee that you will want to return one day.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Rome

Italy’s Chianti Area and Wine Tasting

September 11, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

When I first inquired about a tour in Tuscany to the Chianti wine area, I wasn't quite prepared for the unique experience it turned out to be. It was one of the best days I had in Italy and I would highly recommend this to anyone spending time in Tuscany.

Chianti is a large wine producing zone in Italy which encompasses the provinces of Florence and Siena in Tuscany. Its borders are not strictly defined but it covers this area, extending to the Val d'Elsa in the west and to the Valdarno in the east. Just driving in this area is a beautiful experience through the rolling hills, with row after row of vineyards and olive trees that never seem to end.

A wonderful guide named Marco transported me into the wine country of Chianti, where I was able to visit two family run wineries. I was with a small group of seven or eight people so I did not feel like I was herded around like I have seen in some tour groups in Italy.

This first stop winery was in a very small village called Sant' Appiano, and in fact the winery is about the only thing that is in this village, aside from a few homes. Aptly named, the winery is called Sant' Appiano.

The winery is operated by a family and I had the pleasure of learning about wine production by the two young owners who are brother and sister. After spending quite a bit of time in the wine cellar learning about the strict criteria that must be met to produce these Classico Chianti wines, I was ready to sample some wine. My group was treated to a beautiful table set to taste three different wines, and of course there was food to go with the wine.

There was an opportunity to purchase wine and olive oil as well, because wherever there are grape vineyards, there are olive groves as well, as the soil is the same for both. I made a purchase and had several bottles of wine and olive oil shipped home, but if you wanted to carry a few bottles with you, the price was very reasonable. This winery is small enough that they do not export their products out of Italy, so it was very special being able to taste a wine that I knew I could not get in the United States.

The next stop was at a larger winery but still family operated, and this was in the town of Castellina, known as Castellina in Chianti. It seems a little redundant, but that is what the Italians call this town.

This winery is called Casamonti and the owner came outside to greet us. Set high on a hilltop, the views are amazing and not only do they produce Classico Chianti wine here but they also raise pigs and make their own prosciutto as well as several other food items. After a thorough tour and again the education related to the strict guidelines prescribed by the wine consortium, I was amazed to learn that only six people work here and do everything.

Again my group got to sample three wines and also had almost a complete meal served in a beautiful room. I felt like some kind of VIP as the entire experience was so personalized. There was also the opportunity to purchase wine here and there was no pressure, so unlike some types of tours commonly experienced in the U.S.

At both places I could sense how very proud the owners were of their winemaking business, and they talked with great pride about how hard they work to conform to all standards. This was a great way to spend a day in Tuscany, and a nice change pace from visiting museums and walking around cobble-stoned streets.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Chianti, Europe, Featured, Florence, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Siena

Day Trip to Avignon, France

September 11, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

I recently discovered the wonderful city of Avignon in the region of Provence in the south of France. I was on a Mediterranean cruise and opted for a shore excursion here from the port of Marseilles. I was not disappointed! Avignon is a medieval city which is surrounded by an ancient stone wall. With a population of close to 100,000, about 12,000 people live inside the walls of the "old town."

The smell of lavender is in the air as the many of the small shops specialize in items made from this flower which grows abundantly in the surrounding countryside. I particularly enjoyed wandering around the narrow cobblestoned streets as I explored this famous city. Of course I found several boulangeries-pâtisseries, otherwise known as French style bakeries, and savored the taste of fresh French bread as I walked around.

With as university presence in Avignon, the city has many young people, and Avignon is also famous for some specific landmarks. These include the Palace of the Popes, Pont d'Avignon, Place de l'Horloge, and the Little Palace Museum. Avignon is also home to the summer theater festival aptly named Festival d'Avignon.

Palace of the Popes

Also known as the Palais des Papes, this is the largest Gothic palace in the world. Built in the 14th century, a total of seven popes lived here, although later two of them were deemed to not be true Popes. You can tour this famous palace and visit the twenty rooms inside. In the summer an art exhibit takes place in the Great Chapel. The Palais des Papes is one of the most visited monuments in France.

Pont d'Avignon

This beautiful bridge has become a symbol of Avignon and actually has two names, known also as Pont St-Bénézet. Crossing the Rhone River, the Pont d'Avignon was constructed in the 12th century. A devastating flood in 1668 demolished much of the bridge, leaving only four of the original 22 arches standing.

I loved photographing this awesome bridge from various angles and lighting situations. French children actually memorize a nursery rhyme which was written about this bridge many years ago.

Place de l'Horloge

Known also as Clock Square, this is the heart of Avignon, the main piazza or square or place, as they say in France, where everything happens. The well-known 19th century Opera Theater and city hall dominates the square, and there is of course the famous Clock Tower. There are probably ten or twelve outdoor restaurants and cafes, some of which specialize in home-made ice cream. When I was there on a weekend in May, some local musicians were setting up to perform and vendors were setting up their tables selling jewelry, soaps and other items. The atmosphere was lively and fun.

Little Palace Museum

This 14th century Musée di Petit Palais is in the same square or place as the Palace of the Popes, just opposite from it. Formerly a bishops' and archbishops' palace, the museum was also the papal headquarters during renovation to the Palace of the Popes.

The exterior architecture is a work of art in itself with all its detailed sculptures. You can tour the 19 rooms inside this landmark with its religious paintings, sculptures and frescoes of famous Renaissance artists Botticelli, Carpaccio, Bellini and others. The entrance fee is six euros for adults and three for students over the age of 12. Children under 12 have free admission to the Musée di Petit Palais.

Festival d'Avignon

I was in Avignon in May so I missed the big summer event which occurs for three weeks every July. The well-known Festival d'Avignon has been drawing crowds to over 90 percent capacity. For the past 66 years artists and actors have been entertaining visitors with live theatrical performances. Every year approximately 20 different venues, including both outdoor and indoor, are made available for the 35 to 40 different shows being staged. The venues seat anywhere from 50 to 2000 spectators and throughout the festival an average of 300 performances are staged.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Avignon, Europe, Featured, France, Guest Post, Margie Miklas

Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence

September 10, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful city in the south of France and is often described as a miniature Paris without the museums. This city of 150,000 is casual, very artsy and has gorgeous tree-lined avenues. It's no wonder that artists like Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and Cezanne found inspiration here for their paintings. I was lucky enough to be able to spend part of a day here in Aix, as it is frequently called, on a recent Mediterranean cruise, and loved every minute of it.

Le Cours Mirabeau

This is the main avenue in Aix (pronounced like "ex") and it is very wide and the first thing I noticed was how many trees lined both sides of the street. It was very pretty and I later found out that these trees are Plane trees, similar to what I know as sycamore trees.

On one side of the street were bookstores, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and outdoor restaurants. On the opposite side are the old mansions dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. People were milling about and the atmosphere was wonderful, making me feel like I could walk up and down this street all day.

Rotunda Fountain

Aix is known for its fountains and there are no less than 40 of them in the city. The largest is the Rotunda Fountain found at the beginning of Le Cours Mirabeau, in Place Général de Gaulle. This fountain was built in 1860 and is quite impressive with its three statues representing Agriculture, Justice and Fine Arts.

The fountain is a symbol of the city welcoming visitors here. At the end of the school term it has become a ritual for the university students to take a swim in the fountain

Markets

In Place de Hotel de Ville, there are the famous markets where you can buy things for a fraction of the cost. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, clothing, soaps, and a little of everything. This is a huge market and the prices and selections are very reasonable. When I was here I found a real buy on some authentic French soaps and brought some back for gifts.

Clock Tower

Every town seems to have a clock tower and Aix is no exception. This 16th century monument is next to the town hall or Hotel de Ville in Place de Hotel de Ville. Formerly a belfry, the huge clock was an addition in the 17th century, and attracts attention for its wooden figures that symbolize the four seasons.

Paul Cezanne

Aix's favorite son, artist Paul Cezanne was born here, lived here, painted here and died here. There is a statue at the center of town in his honor. His studio still exists here and you can take a 30 minute tour inside. I didn't have a chance to see this, but would be interested to return and check it out.

I found the French people to be very friendly and I was surprised that some of them even spoke English. Aix is a great place to visit, as a day trip from the port of Marseilles. I highly recommend this lovely city in Provence.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Aix-en-Provence, Featured, France, Guest Post, Margie Miklas, Paris

Spend the Day on Danube Bend, Budapest

August 23, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Floating along the scenic Danube Bend on a cruise is one of the most wonderful ways to see Hungary. Cruises and tour boats range in price and distance so that travelers can choose their trip according to time and budget. For tours visiting a few cities and villages along the river like Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre, a good full day is needed making a stay in one of many holiday apartments Budapest a good home base to seeing these cities.

Esztergom

Some City Facts and Attractions -

- The city is nearly 50 kilometers to the northwest from Budapest.
- Esztergom is located across the river from Slovakia.
- This city was Hungary's capital from the 900s to the 1200s AD.
- Basilica – The largest cathedral in all of the country includes a chapel made of red marble.
- Hungarian Waterworks Museum – Near the heart of Esztergom, this museum is a celebration of water and the Danube with fascination for people of all ages.

A Great Restaurant -

Fili Etterem – For quiet dining and authentic Hungarian cuisine, this restaurant just down from the Basilica is an excellent place with outdoor and indoor dining options.

Visegrad

Some Village Facts and Attractions -

- The castle town is just over 40 kilometers from Budapest.
- The village is famous for the medieval ruins of the citadel and summer palace of King Matthias.
- The castle sits high above the Danube Bend, and this amazing stronghold that is open for touring was built in the mid-1200s.
- Summer and Winter Bobsled Track – Visitors can purchase tickets to try an exciting ride on the two good-sized toboggan tracks.

A Great Restaurant -

- Renaissance – Right across from the ferry station, this establishment provides a true dining experience set in the Renaissance era from the delicious food to the music to the servers' clothing.

Szentendre

Some Town Facts and Attractions -

- This charming village has a Mediterranean feel, and it is known for its artists and art galleries as well as its museums.
- The town is only about 20 kilometers from Budapest.
- The Margit Kovacs Ceramics Museum has a huge collection of lovely ceramics some of which have Byzantine or folk motifs.
- Skanzen-Hungarian Open-Air Museum – Begun in 1967, this captivating museum is a step back into traditional Hungarian life and history.

A Great Restaurant -

Cafe Christine is on Gorog utca 6, and serves Hungarian specialties and international dishes.

Travelers will find holiday apartments Budapest an ideal idea to get to know Budapest as well as taking day trips to surrounding cities and country side.

Filed Under: Budapest, Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Hungary, Visegrad

Activities To Try During Holidays In Cala Millor

August 16, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

The popular resort of Cala Millor is situated on the scenic north eastern coastline of Majorca. Here you will find a beautiful blue flag beach and a variety of pleasant countryside paths, perfect for exploring. You will also discover various Calla Millor holiday companies offering special tours and excursions to the fascinating local sites. Some even offer the opportunity to try out some of the activities highlighted in this article.

Hiking

Strap your walking boots on for a jaunt to the historically significant watchtower of Castell de n'Amer. Along the way you might be lucky enough to spot native wildlife species such as the spotted Hoopoe bird and Hummingbird Hawk Moth.

Horse Riding

If you are eager to explore the surrounding area of Cala Millor then why not hire some horses from the stables of Rancho Willy? Anybody planning wintertime Directline holidays to Cala Millor may book a couple of days on horseback, which could incorporate a visit the Parque Natural Cala Mondrego or a gallop through the pretty area of Ca'an Picafort.

Karting

You might like to imagine yourself in the role of Spanish drivers such as Fernando Alonso or Pedro de la Rosa and attack the Calla Millor go-karting track. Cruise around the corners and go flat out on the straights to take the racing title.

Golf

Keen golfers on holidays to Cala Millor are invited to tee off at the top quality course of Pula. You may even see the enthusiastic Spanish king out for a round with his caddy in toe.

Glass Bottom Boating

There are plenty of ways in which you can enjoy the ocean environment of Cala Millor. However, the most relaxing option is to take a glass bottom boating tour. Trust in the navigational abilities of the captain and watch as the colourful fish swim below you're in the clear Mediterranean sea.

Filed Under: Balearic Islands, Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Mallorca, Spain